Disclaimer — general information only: The material below is not legal or financial advice. Venues should confirm details with Liquor & Gaming NSW and obtain professional guidance before acting.



The NSW Government’s gaming reforms introduced Responsible Gambling Officers (RGOs) for hotels and clubs with more than 20 gaming-machine entitlements. From 1 July 2024, venues must keep the minimum number of RGOs on the floor whenever machines are operating—especially between midnight and 8 am, when harm-minimisation rules tighten.



Current RGO Staffing Requirements

• 21 – 99 entitlements:
one RGO on duty at all times.

• 100 – 299 entitlements:
two RGOs on duty at all times.

• 300 + entitlements:
three RGOs on duty at all times.

• Late-night rule:
between midnight and 8 am, at least one (or two, for venues with 300 + entitlements) must focus solely on RGO duties.

• Variation option:
clubs operating fewer machines than entitlements can apply for a 12-month ratio variation if CMS data backs the request.

Source: Liquor & Gaming NSW, Responsible Gambling Officer guidelines (December 2024).



Budget-Friendly Compliance Strategies

• Align shift patterns with peak play periods:
map machine-use data to daily patron flow so RGO coverage mirrors true demand, not dated assumptions.

• Cross-skill floor staff:
train existing supervisors and duty managers to step into RGO roles during shoulder periods, reducing the need for extra hires.

• Optimise late-night operations:
if post-midnight turnover is weak, consider earlier shutdowns or reduced machine banks to minimise RGO duty hours.

• Leverage part-time and casual pools:
build a flexible roster of pre-accredited RGOs to cover unexpected spikes, holidays and sick leave without overtime blowouts.

• Set a wage-to-gaming-revenue KPI:
track labour as a percentage of machine net profit each week; adjust staffing levels promptly if the ratio drifts higher than board-approved limits.

Staying compliant doesn’t have to break the bank. Match roster decisions to real-world gaming data, keep a versatile RGO team, and monitor labour KPIs closely—the result is a safer gaming floor and a controlled wage budget.